virus Archives

Tech Optimizer

July 29, 2025

Surfshark One Review

Surfshark has launched Surfshark One, a comprehensive security suite that includes a VPN, antivirus software, a data leak detection system, and a private search engine. Surfshark One features over 3,200 servers in 100 countries, military-grade encryption, a no-logs policy, and a kill switch. The antivirus component offers real-time protection and was awarded 'Top Product' by AV-TEST in June 2024 for a 100% detection rate against advanced malware. Surfshark Alert notifies users of data breaches involving sensitive information, while Surfshark Search provides an ad-free, private browsing experience. Users can choose from various plans, with competitive pricing and a seven-day free trial available. The interface is user-friendly and supports multiple devices, allowing protection for up to five devices per account. The antivirus continuously monitors devices, and users can conduct on-demand scans or schedule them. Surfshark's VPN offers features like NoBorders mode, Dynamic MultiHop, and a built-in speed test. Additional features include the Alternative ID for managing online personas and the option for a dedicated IP address for an extra fee. However, some features like a password manager and parental controls are not included.

Tech Optimizer

July 29, 2025

Developer of Kapitano (Linux Virus Scanner) Abandons Ship

Kapitano, a user-friendly ship-themed virus scanner, has been officially shelved by its developer, zynequ, who cited negative experiences and personal attacks as reasons for discontinuation. The application, which served as a graphical user interface for the ClamAV scanning engine, received positive feedback but faced skepticism regarding the need for virus detection on Linux systems. The developer has released the source code into the public domain under The Unlicense, allowing others to continue its development. The app will be delisted from Flathub and marked as end-of-life, meaning it will no longer receive updates but will still function for existing users.

AppWizard

July 26, 2025

Quarantine Zone creator reveals 3 reasons the zombie sim went viral on TikTok

Quarantine Zone: The Last Check is a simulation game set in a post-apocalyptic world where players scan survivors for signs of a zombie virus and decide whether to grant them passage or eliminate them. The game has over a million wishlists on Steam and a publishing deal with Devolver Digital, marking a significant achievement for a developer's first demo. The gameplay loop lasts one minute, allowing players to inspect refugees and make decisions quickly, which has contributed to its popularity on social media platforms like TikTok. A TikTok video from a playtest garnered 30 million views, highlighting the game's viral potential.

Tech Optimizer

July 26, 2025

The best Android antivirus apps of 2025: Expert tested

Cyber threats targeting smartphones have evolved to include sophisticated malware and ransomware, with Android being particularly vulnerable to cyberattacks compared to iOS. Google recommends downloading apps only from the official Play Store, but some malicious applications can bypass these security measures. To protect Android devices from malware, investing in a reliable antivirus app is essential. Bitdefender Mobile Security is currently the top-rated Android antivirus app with a 4.7-star rating on Google Play, offering features like real-time web protection and app scanning. A free version is available, but a subscription is required for enhanced features. Sophos Intercept X for Mobile is a commendable free option with a 3.9-star rating, providing threat scanning and app protection. Other notable antivirus apps include Avast Security and Virus Cleaner, which has a 4.6-star rating and features a web shield and junk removal, and Malwarebytes Mobile Security, also rated 4.6 stars, known for its quick scans and digital footprint service. Norton360, with a 4.6-star rating, offers a comprehensive suite of features including antivirus scanning and a VPN. The best Android antivirus apps of 2025 include: - Bitdefender Mobile Security: Free, per year, 4.7 stars, 448K reviews - Sophos Intercept X: Free, 4.1 stars, 47.1K reviews - Avast: Ad-supported free, 4.6 stars, 7.34M reviews - Malwarebytes: Free, per year, 4.6 stars, 423K reviews - Norton360: Paid plans, 4.6 stars, 1.92M reviews The mobile malware landscape has reportedly increased by 151% since the beginning of 2025, with Google taking legal action against the BadBox 2.0 botnet targeting IoT devices, including Android. A new malware variant named ClickFix is also emerging, affecting macOS, Android, and iOS platforms. Relying solely on built-in protection and the Google Play Store is not advisable; a reputable antivirus app is recommended for additional security.

AppWizard

July 25, 2025

Quarantine Zone: The Last Check has been wishlisted on Steam 1 million times, and will be published in November by Devolver Digital

Quarantine Zone: The Last Check, a zombie base management simulation, has gained significant attention in the gaming community with over a million wishlists on Steam following its demo release in May. Brigada Games has partnered with Devolver Digital for the game's full launch, scheduled for November 2025. The full release will feature a chamber for exploring different levels of the human body and an endless mode for continuous gameplay. The demo is currently available on Steam.

Tech Optimizer

July 25, 2025

Best antivirus software for Windows in 2025

Microsoft Defender is the most suitable free antivirus solution for most users, integrated into Windows 10 and 11 by default. It requires no additional effort from users, making it a convenient choice for everyday protection. For paid antivirus options, Bitdefender Total Security is priced from .99 or £49.99 annually for up to five devices, offering extensive features including malware detection, a VPN, and parental controls. Avast One starts at .88 or £32.49 per year for three devices and has a high malware detection rate, along with a built-in firewall and VPN functionality. F-Secure Total begins at .99 or £59.99 per year for one device, providing network protection at the router level and alerting users about compromised services.

Winsage

July 24, 2025

Windows 11 Gets New Black Screen of Death With Auto Recovery Tool

Microsoft has introduced enhancements to Windows 11's recovery capabilities, including a new restart screen that replaces the Black Screen of Death, reducing crash downtime to approximately two seconds. The Quick Machine Recovery (QMR) tool automatically resolves issues with unresponsive devices without manual IT intervention. The updated interface improves readability and retains essential technical details for troubleshooting. QMR will be available for all Windows 11 version 24H2 devices, enabled by default for Home users, while IT administrators can activate it for Pro and Enterprise systems. Additionally, antivirus software will now run in user mode to improve system stability.

Tech Optimizer

July 20, 2025

Antivirus vs Anti-malware: which is best for you?

The landscape of cyber threats has evolved, with increased sophistication and frequency of attacks, partly due to advancements in artificial intelligence. Businesses, regardless of size, should reassess their vulnerabilities as even small entities can be targeted. Investing in robust cybersecurity software is essential, with a distinction between antivirus and anti-malware tools being crucial. Malware includes various types of malicious software, and while antivirus software primarily uses signature-based detection, anti-malware tools employ advanced techniques like behavioral analysis and sandboxing. Anti-malware programs can identify hidden threats that antivirus may miss, such as rootkits. Antivirus solutions have adapted to include heuristic analysis and additional features like password management and firewalls. Antivirus is designed for average users, while anti-malware is favored by high-risk users, though everyone can benefit from both. Combining antivirus and anti-malware creates a layered security system, and many vendors now offer integrated products. Popular antivirus solutions with anti-malware capabilities include Bitdefender, Norton 360, McAfee, and Avast. Users are encouraged to run both types of software or choose a combined solution for comprehensive coverage. Despite high detection rates, users should remain vigilant and informed to reduce the risk of cyberattacks.

AppWizard

July 11, 2025

Call Of Duty: WW2 Is Missing From PC Game Pass, And There’s A Good Reason For It

Call of Duty: WW2 was added to the Xbox Game Pass lineup for console users in June 2025, but the PC version is currently unavailable due to a significant issue. On July 5, 2025, Activision acknowledged that an unpatched version of the game was uploaded to the Xbox PC app, leading to serious security concerns, including hacking incidents. Players have been warned about an RCE exploit, and it is advised that they run anti-virus scans. Meanwhile, the console version continues to receive player feedback through a satisfaction poll.

Winsage

July 3, 2025

Windows 10 will soon lose support: why you should upgrade to Windows 11 now

Microsoft will cease support for Windows 10 on October 14, 2025, meaning it will no longer receive security updates or bug fixes. Users are encouraged to upgrade to Windows 11 to avoid vulnerabilities. The Extended Security Updates (ESU) program is available but comes at a cost. Upgrading to Windows 11 is free for most users, but it requires specific hardware, including the TPM 2.0 module. Installing Windows 11 on unsupported machines may not receive updates or support, potentially necessitating the purchase of a new PC.